A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Rochelle vs. Bilbao for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit La Rochelle or Bilbao?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit La Rochelle or Bilbao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a relaxing, laid-back, and quaint coastal town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a friendly, industrial, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

La Rochelle and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Bilbao?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Rochelle than Bilbao. While Bilbao is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Rochelle is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Bilbao is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. Also, La Rochelle is famous for The Old Port. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is La Rochelle different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bilbao and La Rochelle. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Rochelle or Bilbao?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both La Rochelle and Bilbao.

La Rochelle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Many visitors head to Bilbao specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

Is the Food Better in La Rochelle or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle is an amazing coastal town to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eat your way through La Rochelle, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is La Rochelle or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Bilbao for the nightlife scene. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is La Rochelle or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is a good destination for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

La Rochelle offers a nice beach destination. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is La Rochelle or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is an amazing coastal town to visit for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

La Rochelle offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Bilbao has an old town worth visiting. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is La Rochelle or Bilbao Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle offers some nice hiking trails. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Bilbao?

Bilbao is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Bilbao is well-known for its shopping. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is La Rochelle or Bilbao Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either La Rochelle or Bilbao.

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Bilbao is a family-friendly place to visit. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Is La Rochelle or Bilbao Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is an amazing coastal town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

La Rochelle is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Bilbao is a good coastal town for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is La Rochelle or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both La Rochelle and Bilbao are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Bilbao is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is La Rochelle or Bilbao Better for Students?

For students, both La Rochelle and Bilbao are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Bilbao is a good coastal town to visit for students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Is La Rochelle or Bilbao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bilbao is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

Public transit in Bilbao can get you to some places easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is La Rochelle or Bilbao a more walkable city?

La Rochelle is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable coastal town. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

For even more information, also check out Is La Rochelle Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both La Rochelle and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in La Rochelle than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Rochelle, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

Families should spend more time in La Rochelle than Bilbao. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in La Rochelle, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in La Rochelle than Bilbao. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Rochelle that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle than Bilbao if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in La Rochelle.

One day in La Rochelle or Bilbao?

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Bilbao. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Bilbao?

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Bilbao. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in La Rochelle or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The authentic city of Bilbao offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in La Rochelle or Bilbao?

La Rochelle is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Bilbao. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Rochelle and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is La Rochelle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Rochelle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Rochelle and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao than you might in La Rochelle.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Rochelle Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle and Bilbao, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit La Rochelle or Bilbao?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Bilbao. Most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

La Rochelle is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 20°C (67°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Rochelle this time of the year. In the summer, La Rochelle often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the autumn, La Rochelle is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Rochelle in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

La Rochelle usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Bilbao. La Rochelle gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and La Rochelle during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.

In January, La Rochelle is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 7°C (44°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, La Rochelle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. La Rochelle usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Bilbao. Many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.

La Rochelle is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

La Rochelle usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Bilbao. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and La Rochelle